How standardised testing shapes future education

Rachel Cunningham

Research Fellow, Educational Research Centre

Conall Ó Duibhir

Research Fellow, Educational Research Centre

Brenda Donohue

Research Fellow, Educational Research Centre

Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024–2033 emphasises the importance of assessment in education.

The Educational Research Centre (ERC) has been a leading provider of standardised tests (known as the ‘Drumcondras’) for schools in Ireland for 40 years. The tests assess primary and post-primary students’ reading and mathematics skills, and work is underway to expand the range of tests available while updating existing tests.

Relevant tests meet increasing digital assessment demand

More tests are being made available online to meet the increasing demand for digital assessments. New tests are also being developed in Irish to ensure that Irish-medium schools have access to reliable assessments of literacy and numeracy.

The ERC offers robust and relevant tests, based on curricula in Ireland and featuring content representative of contemporary Irish society. They are normed using representative samples of students in Ireland, meaning that teachers receive an indication of how their students are doing compared to their peers nationally.

The tests will also factor in the varied
landscape of Irish-language education
between Irish and English-medium schools.

Assessments of literacy and numeracy at primary level

The popular Drumcondra Primary Reading and Mathematics Tests were standardised in 2018 following a comprehensive redevelopment, encompassing curricular developments and changing classroom contexts. They are available on paper for First to Sixth Class and online from Third Class upwards. We will shortly begin to review and update these assessments to ensure they continue to meet the needs of our stakeholders.

The ERC also caters for the assessment of younger children. The Drumcondra Tests of Early Literacy and Numeracy are designed for the end of Senior Infants and the beginning of First Class. They aim to identify children who may be at risk of difficulties in literacy and/or numeracy, with one-to-one follow-up testing to determine the areas in which they are struggling.

We have piloted redeveloped versions of these tests in both English and Irish, based on revised curricula. The numeracy is translated, while the assessment of Irish literacy is unique. The finalised assessments released in 2028 will incorporate feedback from teachers and children.

Assessment in the Irish language

Work is also underway on redeveloping the current Triail Ghaeilge Dhroim Conrach (TGD-G and TGD-R). These tests, originally developed between 2008 and 2012 for students in English and Irish-medium primary schools, assess literacy and language skills in Irish. These tests continue to provide valuable information to teachers and parents on the achievement of students.

However, a review is being carried out to redevelop TGD-G and TGD-R in order to reflect the current language curriculum and societal changes while also ensuring that the tests are thematically and aesthetically appealing.

The tests will also factor in the varied landscape of Irish-language education between Irish and English-medium schools. To meet the growing demand for digital assessments, TGD-G and TGD-R will also be made available online for the first time. The ERC will liaise with schools and students throughout this process to ensure that the tests meet their needs.  

Literacy at post-primary

Standardised and diagnostic testing has been less prevalent at post-primary than primary level, though there is increasing recognition that the business of literacy does not end at sixth class. The launch of the Post-Primary Assessment and Diagnostic (PPAD-E) test in 2020 marked a departure for post-primary testing.

A collaboration between the ERC and the National Educational Psychological Service, PPAD-E, assesses five key skills in order to identify students experiencing literacy difficulties in English. PPAD-E is normed for First Year students and will be available to purchase for use with Third Years in autumn 2026.

Measúnú agus Diagnóisic Litearthachta don Iarbhunscoil – Gaeilge (MDLI-G) is a parallel test that assesses Irish literacy. It shares the same structure as PPAD-E, with different content specifically for  Irish-medium schools. MDLI-G will be available for use with First and Third Years in autumn 2025.